Mechanical handling apparatus

Abstract

Mechanical handling apparatus includes a surface and a driving mechanism for moving a load over the surface which comprises a substantially vertically reciprocable platform device for actuating the load, and a lever device including at least two oppositely pivoted levers for raising and lowering the platform device. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a platform for carrying loads, a mechanism for raising and lowering the platform, the mechanism including at least two levers each pivoted relative to the platform and each pivoted relative to a respective one of a pair of actuating members, the actuating members being movable towards and away from each other, whereby relative movement of the actuating members in one direction pivots the levers to raise the platform and relative movement of the actuating members in the opposite direction pivots the levers to lower the platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for mechanical handling of loads, comprising platform means for carrying loads; means for raising and lowering said platform means into and out of engagement with a load, said raising and lowering means including a pair of actuating members, at least two levers each pivoted to said platform means and to a respective one of said actuating members, and a substantially inextensible elongate member having opposite ends each connected to a respective one of said actuating members, said elongate member being passed around spaced guide members which are relatively movable from a rest position to an actuating position to increase spacing between said actuating members such that said levers pivot to raise said platform means, and from said actuating position to said rest position to reduce spacing between said actuating members such that said levers pivot to lower said platform means; and means for driving said elongate member over said guide members to effect travel of the elongate member and movement of the actuating members in a common direction such that said platform means moves in a horizontal direction. 
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive means drives at least one of the guide members to effect said travel of the elongate member. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a chain and at least one of the guide members is a sprocket. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to claim 1, including resilient means urging the actuating members towards each other. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each actuating member is provided with rotatable means for rolling along a support surface when the actuating members are moved. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rotatable means are rollers. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a respective plurality of said levers connected to each actuating member.